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IN ORATION, 



DELIVERED IN THE CHAPEL OF 



THE COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, 



ON 22d OF FEBRUARY, 1830, 



BY A MBMBER OF 



THE ENOSlNIJilT SOOIETT. 

Optimum est majorem sequi, si recte prseceaseriat. — Gic. 



WASHINGTON CITY: 

FRINXJSD BV WILLIAM GRBER. 

1830. 



^■ 






NATIONAL GLORY. 



Mankind have ever been characterised by an honorable desire of 
lasting lame: this active spirit has led to the most illustrious achieve- 
ments, and will always remain a prime mover to national glory. 

The glory of a people does not consist in a dense population, 
spread over a widely extended territory: England ranks among 
the proudest nations, while China, with all her crowded cities 
and peopled deserts, scarcely finds a commemorative page. 

Still less can the majestic stream, and snow covered moun- 
tain, snatch from oblivion the land oi barbarism. The sun gilds 
the Andes as brightly as he does the Appenines; the extended 
Amazon rolls its waves with the silvery radiance that graces the 
meandering Thames; but the fair sun of science enlivens not 
the wild scenery of the Andes, nor displays the wings of com- 
merce upon the heaving Amazon. 

Nor can the paths of slaughter and the tide of conquest con- 
stitute national glory. Bajaret and Tamerlane gloi ied in the 
roar of battle, rode on the whirlwind of destruction, and wrote 
their proud names in blood. But sunk in oblivion are their deeds 
of valor and romantic actions, like splendid meteors that once il- 
lumined the heavens amid the gloom of night. But that land is 
truly glorious, where sacred patriotism animates each soul, and 
where each bosom feels, 

"That wanling virtue, life is pain and woe, 
Tliat wanting liberty, e'en virtue mourns, 
And looks around for happiness in vain." 

Such was the foundation on which was reared the stupendous 
glory of Greece. Her sons, long buried in the grossest mists of 
superstition, began to emerge from barbarism, and to perceive 
that not in the lap of sensual indulgences, nor in the halls of bru- 
tal luxury, was man designed to act, but in nobler scenes, where 
virtue and reason shed tlieir choicest gifts, and fame displayed 
her brightest charms. 

Her green clad hills and sunny vales, no longer echoed the 
savage scream and the broken numbers of warlike minstrels, 
which now were melted into softer measures. An Orpheus 
strung liis lyre, and the murmuring woods were hushed. Her 



Homer's reed poured forth its melody, and an admiring nation 
caught the magic strain. Fired by the sound, her valiant spirits 
glowed with patriotic flame; impassioned eloquence burst from 
their lips, and while the clashing armour rang with horrid dis- 
cord, they still were mindful of their country's fame. A glori- 
ous cause ensures a glorious success; victory shone upon her 
marshalled hosts; aflfrighted nations trembled on their shores, 
whenever a Grecian fleet, as a spirit of destruction, appeared on 
their defenceless coasts. The chrystal cave, the moss grown 
rock, no longer formed the habitations of man, but were the fa- 
vorite retreats of rustic bards, who strove around these deserted 
dwellings to catch the inspiration of their former lords. Splendid 
cities, teeming with wealth, then reared their spires in fervent 
gratitude towards tiiose heavens whence they derived their glo- 
ries. Maenificent temples rose in every wood, by every mur- 
muring stream, and told of signal blessings and of grateful hearts. 
Piety, virtue, and ^adoration, diffused their genial influence 
throughout society, and Greece awhile presented a bright pic- 
ture of national glory. 

But as the winlry storms and whirlwinds wild, 

Drive fiercest far against the loftiest pile; 

As heaven's red lightnings wreathe their vivid arms 

Around the crested mountain top, and rend 

Crags, vallies, solid rocks, in ruin wide. 

So, in her zenith, sunk the brightest gem 

That graced the garland of humanity. 

Unhallowed ambition, too frequently the offspring of relined lux- 
ury, insinuated itself in her heroes' bosoms, and those fair regions? 
where "dove-eyed" peace and plenty dwelt, were deluged with 
the blood of their own inhabitants. 

Yet Greece stands not the sole victim of corrupt desires. Im- 
perious Rome pursued the tide of conquest, and the whole habit- 
able world fell under her subjection. Her Scipios ranged the 
battle field, and victory crowned their efforts. Her Cicero 
hurled the thunders of eloquence from her Forum, and vicious 
conquerors trembled. Her Virgil courted the Epic muse, and 
divinest strains of sublimity flowed in his awful verse. But 
enervating luxury soon tainted the morals of Rome and she lay 
exposed to the boundless lust of the first invader. Aspirants to 
imperial authority were not slow in presenting themselves, and 
before the people could shake off their lethargy, tyrannic rule 
was scourging them with all its horrors. 

"First from their flattered Caesars this began." 



Around those plains where once the fervent lay of gratifude 
arose, the wail of oppressed humanity is heard. Magnificent 
temples, erected hy the piety of ancient heroes, sacred fanes, 
whence the awfully inspiring notes of prophecy commanded a 
free people to assert their country's rights, now mouldering, lie 
a sad example of the instability of earthly grandeur, or what 
is doubly painful, ring with the shouts of brutal slaves, dead to 
all sensibility. 

What would you say, ye noble ones of Greece, ye spirits of 
Marathon, could ye rise from the halloued tomb, and behold 
your scenes of triumph polluted by tyrants' footsteps.? 
"What would you say, ye conquerors of earth? 
Ye Romans! Could you raise the laurelled head, 

and view the land where once your glories shone, now lost to 
honor and to fame.'' 

Could even a moment's reflection tell you the glory you have 
resigned, degenerate race of religious bigotry! Ye would tear 
the garlands from your brows, and bewail your lost condition. 
Victims of oppression! Could but the memory of departed 
splendor awaken them to their true situation. Could the fire 
that glowed in their ancestors' bosoms but warm their torpid 
feelings; no more would the voice of tyranny be heard on their 
shores; but the animating notes of freedom would again resound 
in their temples, and their classic mountains echo once more the 
glad voice of a hardy yeomanry. 

Black is the gloom which overspreads their horizon. Hard 
and mighty are the chains in which they are bound. Ignorance 
and superstition brood in death like shade over their ruins of de- 
parted glory; and bigotry, their never failing attendant, chills the 
growth of every liberal sentiment. 

A nation can be styled glorious only when virtue and piety are 
its grand characteristics. When these predominate in the differ- 
ent classes of society, then the end proposed by each person is 
the public happiness. Noble indeed, and truly generous, is the 
character of that people, which, actuated by virtue, rejects all 
pampered n-agnificence, and applies itself exclusively to those 
pursuits which render a country prosperous at home, respected 
and venerated abroad. In individuals ruled by patriotic princi- 
ples, we find much to esteem and admire. But when millions, 
inspired by the same feelings, unite in forming one grand fabric, 
regulated by generous laws, all operating towards one beneficial 
effect, the mind is lost in admiration. This is truly an enchanting 
picture, which "to be" valued, "needs but to be seen." Its 
intrinsic beauty has seldom been ascertained hy actual demon- 



slrafion. It exists but loo generally in the imagination, and has 
never yet appeared in its utmost splendor. There are, how- 
ever, many different degrees of proximation towards this perfec- 
tion, and Greece and Rome must certainly be allowed to have 
gained the highest elevation among the nations of antiquity. 
Other nations flourished before and after them, but their pros- 
j)erity was as the glittering bubble, transient and fading away. 
No talented historian flourished there to transmit to his classic 
page the wondcrous exploits of Jiis countrymen. No discrimi- 
nating philosopher there penetrated the my^tcries of nature, and 
explored the latent stores of science. No child of nature there 
poured forth strains of subduing eloquence before an admiring 
auditory. But the hand of oppression enchained the genius of 
man, and the lays of the muses' friend, warbled alone the sav- 
age deeds of the tyrant. 

The native land of song, the land of impassioned eloquence, 
and the abode of philosophy, must be the home of freedom. 
Where tyranny spreads its baneful influence, the whole moral | ^ 
world becomes tainted. Genius, despised and neglected, is not ''' " 
simply left to bear the hardships of a laborious existence, but is ■'' ■ 
often chilled and persecuted by despotic sway. Such was the 
state of degraded Greece; such was the condition of imperial 
Rome, when absolute authority involved her in errors more hope- 
less far than those which misled her unpolished founders. Rev- 
olutions seldom move backwards. This is a truth wliich history 
realizes in its biightest colors, and in its blackest shades. Aris- 
ing nation, cemented by the strongest ties of patriotism, adorned 
by virtuous spirits, and celebrated as the abode of justice, pre- 
sents a picture too beautiful to be contrasted with its subsequent 
history. There is a rising prosperity, which every kingdom, 
empire, and republic, may enjoy from age to age, but from which 
it must assuredly decline whenever restraint is removed from the 
passions of ambitious spirits. The strength, the influence, and 
the glory of a nation, depend mainly upon the choice of its rulers; 
for its laws, of themselves, can avail nothing. There must be a 
skilful virtuous guide at the head of government. There must 
be punctuality and sterling principles in its officers, or like the 
disabled bark, it must drive inevitably on the fatal shores of 
anarchy, and be involved in the appalling horrors of a civil war. 

Virtue has been denominated by the wisest legislators the es- 
sence of liberty ! Or why the generous laws which unite the in- 
habitants of every country in the sacred bands of filial devotion 



to their common parent? In ancient liistory bright mementos of 
her divine influence exist; brilliant pictures, of virtue's own co- 
loring-, charm the mental vision. Let us dwell on the bright 
prospect in all its unsullied splendor; nor dart the gaze of inspec- 
tion upon the mournful sequel. Heavenly in herself, captivating 
in her native charms, virtue shines in conscious pride, nor needs 
the odious character of vice, by hateful contrast, to set off her 
beauty. The mind which contemplates the true nature of virtu- 
ous principles, becomes refined and pure as the evening cloud, 
and soaring far above the mists of ignorance, rests upon immortal 
good. Such is their influence on individuals, and may it ever be 
the glory of our countrymen. The possession of the richest and 
most elevated source of enjoyment, is the privilege of those, who, 
charmed by the inspiration of heaven-born freedom, rise supe- 
rior to the impulses of ambition, and light the torch of liberty at 
the shrine of virtue. They are the guardian spirits which hover 
around us when the fury of civil commotion threatens our con- 
cord, and in awe of which the sullen tempest retires. Amid the 
tumultuous storm of party rage, their bright examples shine as 
ocean beacons, and guide the political bark through blacken- 
ing shades, to the peaceful shores of calm prosperity. But to 
enjoy the greatest benefit from their influence, virtue must actu- 
ate the desires of every individual. The virtuous man sacrifices 
his own interest at the altar of his country's good. Those gen- 
erous feelings which adorn his breast, form a hallowed tlirone, 
where the rights of his countrymen reign in blissful security. 
Never will sordid motives, or the prejudices of partizan feelings, 
induce him to swerve from the paths of uprightness, and to ac- 
quire an empty fame, at the expense of his peace. 

The value of their principles is readily seen in the early 
history of our own country. If then while a dark cloud lowered 
over our political horizon, the same vices had sullied our char- 
acter which plunged France in terrific confusion, liberty must 
have spi.TU (1 our shores, and resigned them to despotic sway; 
tyranic rule must have scourged us again, and our dearly bought 
privileges have been wrested from us. Nothing but the purest vir- 
tue could have swayed the souls of our countrymen to discard 
all personal advancement, and to consult only the good of the 
community. 

May Americans ever remember that their free institutions are 
the rewards which Heaven bestows on suffering Virtue. 

May they ever be reminded, that though the charter of their 
liberties be engraven on the wildest rocks and their institution^ 



based more {irmly than the aerial cliff, still as the driving vvhirlvviud 
twists the eternal granite from its bed and convulsive nature yawns 
beneath the tottering mountain, so can the withering grasp of 
vice pollute the fairest liberty and plunge the noblest government 
blighted in the abyss of degradation. 

From contemplating their own blissful condition let them turn 
to revolutionary I^rance. Behold the maddening rage of licentious 
mobs kindling every bosom. Behold them toiling for an empty 
name! For Liberty! Let not her sacred name be so polluted! 
Let not a raging thirst of conquest be styled patriotism! Des- 
potism robed in the embroidery of freedom lured them onward to 
destruction! They admired the gay trappings of prosperous Lib- 
erty, but secured in fields of blood a darker inheritance than 
before. 

Here freedom's genius pauses, and laments 
Upon the moulderiDg tombs of slaughtered sons. 
And as oppression drives his thundering car, 
Amid the dismal scene, t' insult her woes, 
Kissing the hallowed dust of those she lored, 
Looks up and drops a tear. 

Here may our countrymen pause, and catch the prophetic 
sounds which swell around the graves of political fanatics, and 
which proclaim, in all the majesty of death, the ruin that attends 
a vitiated cause. 

Dark and mournful too is the state of Spain. Powerful indeed 
is the arm of oppression, which is bared against her dearest 
rights. Profound is the slumber in which she has been sunk for 
ages. Religious gloom stamps its horrors upon the very springs 
of her councils, and the fatal poison lurks in every vein. She 
too rose from her obscurity, and poured, awhile, bright rays 
upon the morning of freedom; but the opening that admitted these 
gleams of hope, glared for a moment in the summit of perfection, 
then closed in all the aggravated gloom of returning darkness. 
Vice and ignorance are too firmly established in her dominions 
for the light of liberty to gain the ascendancy. The habits of 
her people proclaim her unfit for the precious boon. America, 
then, is the last clime in which the "mountain goddess" chooses 
to dwell. Driven from Europe, she has visited our shores, and 
taken her last most glorious stand. Then be it ours to defend 
her, be it our most solemn duty to practise those virtues which 
most conduce to her permanent residence. 

Poetry and history, though generally considered as mere 
amusements, necessary to the relaxation of the mind, are endowed 
with more astonishing powers than we at first imagine. Here ii 



embodied all tliR greatness and chivalry of former asjes. Stamu- 
ed by lire magic imprest! of genius, tiic flowing veise. and cFas-^ic 
page, revive the grand recollections of departed worth, and the 
enraptured soul dwcdlsat once in silent wonder upon the united 
glories of former times. What Hcmer *ang, the martial patriot 
burns to achieve: and what Tacitus described, the generous spirit 
strives to imita:o. 

Poetry and !;istory, then, are boundless fiehls of pleasure, 
where the imagination lays aside its dross, and mingles all refine- 
ment, with the spirit of ages past. The patriotic soul is trans- 
ported to the land where Hector fought, is wafted to the j)as!-;es 
of Thermopylae, and glows anew with redoubled ardor around 
the tomb of Leonidas, Inspired l;y ihe pleasing spell, the poet's 
fancy kindles wiih divine emulation, and in his rapturous notes, 
the soul of freedom breathes its loftiest strains. Here eioqur-nee 
receives the fervid glow, and acquires that powerful iiifluence 
which subdues the will, and charms the soul to tenderness. 
Where is a nation's glory when the memorials of patriotism are 
extinct? Without the monumental pde, and the sacrt d lay of 
victory, the voice of fame is buried in oblivion, and the nobl-r 
feelings of the soul lie hushed in slumber. But when the subliirie 
strain of splendid achievements bursts from the poet's muse, 
when deeds of valor and fierce encounters in defence of virtue 
awake the sounding lyre, heavenly patriotism inspires the cold:;st 
hearts, and cowardice itself is brave. 

Forti(ied by such sentiments, the soldier exchanges the smiles of 
dearest fiiends, lor the streaming glare and horrid crash of arm.-. 

What bosom is not warmed by the (ale of its country's glory? 
What soul is not kindled with rage, when it hears the narrative 
of its country's wrongs? Thgit bosom, that sou! cannot bear the 
impress of humanity, it is cold and impenetrable as the adaman- 
tine rock. 

Such feelings Pindar's lyre awakened in Grecian breasts; such 
was the lire whiclj animated each Roman bosom, when Ennius 
sung his country's victories; and cannot our own countiy boast 
of generous deeds? Her morning has dawned in splendor. 
Her maiden glori< s are not the meretricious colors of successful 
prowess. But her light is the favoring smile of heaven. The 
Eternal One has stamped our origin Avith a brighter impress than 
e'er has graced a country's rise. Two centuries ago, these 
smiling plains were buried in an endless waste. Around these 
plains where plenty reigns with sweet content, the howling wolf 
jnocked the war-whoop of the ferocious savage. 



10 . 

But the spirit of freedom which gloived in our ancestors'' ho- 
SOais, exalted tlieni to that proud station whence they could view 
unmoved, the storms of adversity, and smile upon mislor^uiie's 
gatheriiiij frowns. Wiien the snows and storms of winter 
drove keenly on their humhle cahins; while disease and death 
continually met their viewj when no friend was near to soothe the 
aillicled heart, and pour the halm of consolation, what else tlian 
the holy tire of liberty could have cheered and sustained their 
hopes. Heaven breathed into tiieir souls the sacred flame, and 
kept it ative; to prochiim the approach of a dazzling luminary. 
V'^aialy Ih.e tempest beat, and faniine raged. No earthly power 
could quench the rising blaze, fed by Omnipotence, and destined 
to illumine uie world. The forest echo no longer mocked the 
murdrrtng howl, but ihe busy hum of industry awakened every 
scene to cheerfulness. 

Our ancient foes, whose deadly hate and rancorous spile had 
chilled the biood of thousands, were taught by diie experience 
to reverence that powerful civilization, which once they proudly 
COiitemnt.d. Now plenty poured her choicest blessings on our 
haj.'py fields, and a benignant sky rewarded to profusion the la- 
bors ot the colonist. But virtuous freedom, feelingly alive to all 
the sensibilities of the soul, could ill brook the unjust restraints 
which tyrauijy ever chooses to impose. Neglected and leftalone 
to bear the toils and hardships of early colonization, yet sorely 
oppressed, when pro.-perity diffused her cheering radiance, the 
sons oCfreedom roused from repose the quiesdent sparks of liber- 
ty, and kiiidled Ihat brilliant light which now shines upon aston- 
ished hian. 

Scarcely fifty years have elapsed since the star of freedom rose 
upon our westein world; since the fair beams of science and lit- - 
erature dawned upon our shores. 

Bui as tlie lowering storm that blurred t!ie sky, 
Witli brighter splendor paiiiti the morning rays, 
S) from our shores the shades of darkness t]y, 
And learning shines in one resplcnJe;it blaze. 

Usiiered into celebrity witii the dawn of their country's glory, 
a host of exalted worthies began their career in the diiferent de- 
partments of philosophy, history, and song. Immortal Franklin 
attenipted the sublime speculations of electricity, and sported 
with the lightnings of Heaven. Revolving worlds and remotest 
systems formed the pleasing contemplation of Ritteiihouse, and 
in the fervid strains of youthful Paine, inspiring poetry breathed 
its richest melody. In eloquence, our land is immortalized by 



I'i 

the wonderful powers of her Ames, her Henry, and Hatr^Mton; 
names that must ever be mentiohed with delight, w....e love of 
oratory animates a single bosom. We are accAised, it is true, of 
blindl} admiring our native talent, and of national vanity, while 
undistinguished in the literary world. Let foreign despots vent 
their spleen, but American hearts, so long as patriotism lives, ean 
swell in fervent gratitude. We are charged with building our 
literary fame upon the spoils of transatlantic treasure. We are 
accQ-*ed of echoing the melody of exalted bards on England's 
classic; shore. We acknowledge the fault, if that can be styled 
a fault in a youthful nation, to admire the noblest picture of hu- 
manity. Let England traduce our character, and long for our 
downfall, but if the flame of learning, kindled on her shores, 
could eclipse the glories of cotemporary nations, and approach 
the lofty height of ancient literature, with what splendor must 
our meridian glow, when our dawning glory already displays 
such transcendant brilliancy. 

The want of an elevated national literature has been styled a 
serious defect in the glory of our country. The diffusion of use- 
ful knowledge has always been the summit of perfection, to which 
our distinguished personages aspire, as more conducive to the 
prosperity of their country. The fate of ancient republics was 
considered a solemn warning of the dangerous consequences re- 
sulting from the introduction of this refined madness. But when 
was Greece more enlightened and free than in the golden era of 
her literature? When were more exalted sentiments cherished 
in pagan Rome, then in her noon-day splendor.'' When the 
thunders of eloquence silenced the murmurs of sedition, and 
hushed the' tempest of faction in general tranquility. Wlien a 
corrupted populace listened with admiration to the doctrines of 
patriotic sages, inculcating the precious tenets of virtuous liber- 
ty. Let not Americans shun the fair paths and flowers of liter- 
ature, as dangerous rocks on which their institutions may perish. 
Let them rather turn, and behold with horror, the fatal poison 
which lurks in the dregs of ignorance, and which, if ever foment- 
ed, must corrode the springs of our existence. 

We all profess to be enamoured of virtue in her simple charms. 
How captivating ought she then to appear, when clad in the 
brightest robes of inspiration, and arrayed iu beauties, which 
teach even slaves respect and adiniration. Let not, the effusions 
of virtuous spirits be regarded as noon- day dreams of, the soul, 
or meretricious colorings of idle fancy, and that rich treasure, 
delivered to us by our ancestors, will be enshrined in our hearts' 



12 

awd virtue, rejoicing m her .precious charge, shall hand it down 
to posterity in increasing spleiu^or. Then will .'lie metropolis of 
our empire be •an iinperisiiable (luonument of our fame. Then 
will our seat of empire be. a fountain.of literary glory, whence 
remote regions of ©uroouniry shall receive the enriching stream 
and reflect the hhiZi- of renown in un>ullied light. Let then the 
saired flame be kmdled in our capital. Let the tide of glory 
originate in the hearts of our rulers, and the divine fervor will 
ibe insn'led in tV)«- /jffpr.fions nfdur i'(>uatrymen, and ever\ h.osom 
• burn with emulation. Reposing under the patronage of govern- 
meDt, know ledge, useful and ornamental, will flourish; future 
^patriots, kindling nith youdtful flame, «hall catch the glow of in- 
spiration at ttie altar of science, and hang with raptures on the 
strains offuture Hatnihons. 

A gloriou-. prospt-ct lies before us. The fields of learning and 
science, blooming in unparalleled beauty, and open to our vievy, 
invite us to revel in their paths and reap a rich reward. Fair 
science smiles upon our noble hirih, and lofty tliemes are ours 
to employ the pen of genius. Then let us appreciate the. pr-e- 
cious boon, let livery bosom burn with ardor, and at no remote 
•■period, America will take her appropriate station, as the adorn- 
ing gem of the universe, and the fountain of ennobling liteiaiure. 
Then in the^iages ofsome future Livy will the deeds of our pride 
^ be told. Then will each patriotic bosom be fired with holy 
• zeal, when in the verses of some future Homer, the praise of 
righteous liberty shall be repeated. When years unnumbered 
"^'ifehall have swelled the tide of time; when happy millions sliall 
•liave filled the wide regions of the west, and crowned our snowy 
2 iriouhtams' with the smiles of industry; then shall the patriot baifd, 
^%neeling at the altar of liberty, by Bunker's hallowed mount, 
''pour forth a thrilling strain, that shall be echoed o'er the vastjex-* 
pause, abd be hushed only mihe Pacific's roar. 

Clad in rays of immortality, our departed father could then 

smile with delight upon those plains where oft he drank the cup 

of bitterness, supported and sustained by Heaven. If,; then, his 

glorious shade could burst the bands of death, and survey the 

ripening scenes on which his mortal cares were all bestowed; if, 

' 'then, he could behold his loved Columbia diff'using her radiant 

''splenf? or over the nations bfearth, that single view would compen- 

^'^3ate him for all his arduous toils, and confer an immortality of bliss. 

''■ But hi6 is not forever gone. The sDul of Washington, veiled 

byHlieiidantreof death, still wai'ms each patriot breast, 

Maintains its splendor, as the summer sun 
Pours through the misty cloud his golden ray. 



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